Miscellany

I've continued to work on the pillowcases for Ronald McDonald House. I'm up to 19 now, and have used up over 26 yards of fabric. Here are the ones I've made since the last group:


I think that'll be it for pillowcases. I run through just about all the cottons that are appropriate for children, and I don't want to buy fabric especially for the project. It's been a great way to use up some fabrics, but it hasn't made much of a dent in my fabric collection. That wasn't really the purpose anyway.

I also got a couple of packages yesterday. One was from Textile Studios. Unfortunately, Marsha has decided to close down the fabric part of her business due to the economy, so this is my final order. I got two of the four that I wanted, but they're the two I wanted the most:



The gray floral is matte jersey from Ann Klein and the navy is rayon with a silky texture from Canvasbacks. I'm looking forward to making something from them. The quality is great, as always.

The other package came from DF. He was in New Jersey recently visiting his Mom, and one of his relatives gave him this custom made platter:


It's now decorating my kitchen. What a nice gesture!

Springtime has finally arrived in New Mexico. It has been an unusually cold spring, but I noticed that the cacti have started to bloom again. I actually noticed the first blooms on this one April 15, but didn't have a chance to take a picture until now.

A Correction

ann I am found an error in the instructions I gave for Leslie's Broomstick Skirt. I've made corrections to the original post, which are noted in red.

Sorry about that. And thanks to ann for bringing it to my attention!

Ronald McD Pillowcases

I know that I grouched about doing this project, but I'm mostly enjoying it. I still haven't been converted into a "service project sewer", oh no. But, sometimes it's fun to work through a simple project and sew multiples quickly, no muss no fuss.

At this point, I've made these six:

These 4 are waiting to be sewn:


I also have this pile of discards:


Yes, you're seeing the wrong side of all 9 (!) of them. Let me explain...

44"-45" width fabric is a misnomer. The discards are the proof of that. Most of these were more like 41"-42" wide, too narrow unless you cut down the length of the fabric. Unfortunately, I cut across the width, oops! By the time I figured out my mistake, I'd already pre-ripped them into the proper lengths and sewn the end seam. And I left them inside-out because I didn't have the heart to turn them.

But fear not, I actually have plans for these and they will be used eventually. I'm thinking dustbags for purses and garment covers for out of season suits. Stay tuned.

I also have a pile of leftovers that will become napkins. Easy, cute and environmental. In addition to the pillow scraps, you may recognize some other previous projects in the group:

Thank You Turbo Tax!!

Since I procrastinated so badly this year, yesterday I bailed and decided to purchase Turbo Tax instead of darkening my CPA's door. He makes me do an extensive worksheet anyway, so why not enter the information in a program myself?

I'm so glad I did. I wouldn't call my tax return simple, but it's not nearly as complicated as some that I've analyzed for my job. And the program prompts you for the the information you need to provide.

Thanks, blog friends, for bearing with me during this time. And thanks for your emails. I felt good that you thought enough to write.

I'll be back soon on my regular schedule. DF will be gone this weekend, and course I'll miss him, but I'll have time for posting.

Bear With Me, ok?

I'm working on a big project at the office and don't have much time right now. I also have to work my taxes in. So if you don't hear from me for a little while, I really haven't dropped off the face of the earth.

Just tryin' to bring home the bacon.

ASG Conference: Service Project

I've had several responses to my question about the ASG Conference, so I'll be posting about it! Thanks for the feedback; I'll try to address your specific questions as well as answer others you might not have considered.

I'm starting out with the service project for a very personal reason. I kind of went wild with the fabric shopping in March. Not just the Gorgeous Fabrics and the Textile Studios purchases, nor the Hancock's buy. Nope, I went to JoAnn's last night, the last leg of the rayon quest. And, well, no rayon that was suitable but the linen was on sale. I love linen casual wear for the summer, so I indulged myself. JoAnn's actually had some nice stuff! No, I don't feel guilty over it. But I'm also out of space for fabric, especially with DF moving in at the end of May. I really didn't need a purchase of some 32 yards of fabric in a month.

So...the ASG Conference always features a sewing service project. This year it's pillow cases for the kids at the local Ronald McDonald House. I'll be honest with you. I'm not a big fan of "sewing for charity," OK? Call me Scrooge or whatever. I just don't like that type of sewing; I feel like more can be done to benefit charity in other ways. However, I do know how to churn out pillow cases. And I'll work down some of my excess stash by making some for the kiddos, because each takes one yard of fabric. Let's just say that my self interest is at work here for the greater good.